Brown supports the notion that the pilot assists in a way that is “client-centered” and assists individuals that are in need due to arrears. She also says that the pilot fills in knowledge gaps regarding the community’s lack of resources and takes a “case management” approach.

“I believe that the approach taken in this pilot helps build trust between clients and the Agency, and empowers clients with knowledge and connections to assist them in the future. This allows clients to receive more well-rounded assistance and allows Wayne Metro to address the underlying causes of the client’s needs.”

The outreach support made it possible to get in contact with residents like Maurice Monson, who previously was not aware that such assistance was available: “I had not heard about Wayne Metro prior to my experience in the Weatherization program. I’ve definitely benefited from working with Wayne Metro! If it weren’t for Wayne Metro, I wouldn’t have had help with the hole in my roof or my electric bill. The bills were piling up and we’d be in the dark right now.”

Individuals who participated in the North End pilot, such as Heather Nichols, were also impressed with how quickly outreach can turn into receiving assistance.

“I spoke with a caseworker from Human Services who told me to call 211, and they connected me with Wayne Metro. Someone came out to the house to do a Weatherization estimate, and Wayne Metro helped me get my utilities turned back on. They even worked with DTE to get my hot water heater installed! I also got my taxes done for free by Wayne Metro. Everyone has been responsive and helpful.”

Wayne Metro hopes to expand this project in other areas/neighborhoods.

For more information about this pilot program and the services Wayne Metro offers, click here to visit our Programs page, or contact our CONNECT Center at (313) 388-9799.

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He reached out to Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency for assistance through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program, and recently received $60,000 from the organization on behalf of several of his residents. He’s awaiting payments for five or six more.

“Wayne Metro has been hands down a huge help,” Yahiayan said. “If it weren’t for them, I don’t know where we’d be right now.”

Yahiayan and his tenants are some of the more than 9,000 households who have received CERA assistance from Wayne Metro since the program’s launch in March. The organization has distributed more than $80 million in Wayne County through this program in the last seven months, with another $30 million obligated.

Wayne Metro is working hard to keep Wayne County residents in their homes and help alleviate some of the financial burden renters are carrying as a result of the pandemic. Renters with past-due rent and utility balances and those with subsidized housing can receive assistance if they meet other eligibility requirements. Tenants or landlords can apply on behalf of a household. Depending on a renter’s income, they may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of past due rental assistance and three months of future rent.

Tedford heard about the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program online and applied immediately.

“Oh my God, this was a life saver,” said the Redford resident after receiving assistance from Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. “I really appreciate (Wayne Metro) stepping up and helping me out. I was so happy I could have some breathing room. Now I’m caught up, and I can pay my rent and utilities through Social Security Disability.”

Tedford is one of 12,500 people in Wayne County to date who have received rental assistance from Wayne Metro through the CERA program. The program aims to keep residents in their homes and help alleviate some of the financial burden renters are carrying as a result of this difficult year. To meet this critical need, distribute more than $100 million in CERA funds and make it easier for clients to access services, Wayne Metro increased its hours of operation and added more than 150 positions.

“My doctor wasn’t seeing anyone until May, so I couldn’t get the work release I needed from him,” Slade said, adding that she lost her job as a result and was denied unemployment benefits. “I was so worried – I didn’t know what was happening with my income. I was behind in my rent. I didn’t know if I was going to be put out.”

Morris lost her job as a janitor as a result of the pandemic, and her unemployment benefits got off track.

“It was very traumatizing; I was anxiety-ridden not knowing how to pay the rent and if I was going to receive any help,” Morris said.

Slade was able to get by thanks to loans her sister, her daughter and friends, but the financial support available to her was running out. When the CERA program was launched, Slade found the help she needed to move forward.

“(Wayne Metro) took a weight off me that was bearing down on me,” Slade said. “I don’t ever want to get behind in my bills again.”

Morris was also relieved when CERA came through for her.

“I was ecstatic,” she said. “This puts me in a very good mindset for the future.”

Wayne Metro is working hard to keep Wayne County residents in their homes through the CERA program and help alleviate some of the financial burden renters are carrying as a result of this difficult year. In the last week alone, Wayne Metro distributed $7.1 million in funds to Wayne County residents in desperate need.